1,2-Bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition and thermal recording media made by using the same

ABSTRACT

In a thermal recording medium including a basic chromogenic dye, a developer and a sensitizer, a composition for a thermal recording medium which composition contains 50 ppm to 5.0 mass % of 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and/or 1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane in 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane is used as said sensitizer, whereby the 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane compound is remarkably improved in milling property in the preparation of the above sensitizer, and a thermal recording medium is provided without impairing the colorability, etc., such as thermal colorability.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a thermal recording medium (thermalrecording material) using a thermal coloring reaction of a colorless orlight-colored basic chromogenic dye precursor, a developer, asensitizer, etc., and more specifically, it relates to a thermalrecording medium using 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition as asensitizer.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

A thermal recording medium, using a thermal coloring reaction of asubstantially colorless or light-colored basic chromogenic dyeprecursor, a developer for causing it to color, a sensitizer, etc., is,as a simple and low priced recording system, widely used in the fieldsof a thermal facsimile, a thermal printer, a thermal label, and thelike. In the above thermal recording media, essentially, a sensitizer isincorporated into a recording layer for improving its thermalcolorability. However, thermal colorability and background fogging areoften contradictory to each other. In a medium, the more improved in thethermal colorability, the more background fogging is liable to occur. Onthe other hand, when the more attempt is made to suppress the backgroundfogging, the more deteriorated its colorability is. There is, therefore,strongly demanded to provide a sensitizer that improves both of thesetwo properties in a thermal recording medium.

For complying with the above fundamental demand, a thermal recordingmedium, using a 1,2-bis (3-methylphenoxy) ethane compound as asensitizer, has an established reputation as being excellently balancedbetween the above thermal colorability and background fogging as isdescribed in Japanese Patent No. 1804948. And the above compound is, andhas been, widely produced, sold and used for a very long period of timeas a typical sensitizer. Basically, a sensitizer is prepared in the formof a coating liquid containing the sensitizer by milling and dispersingthe sensitizer in an aqueous medium containing basic components such asa surfactant, an antifoaming agent, a dispersing agent, etc., with amilling apparatus using a milling medium such as a ball mill, a sandmill, or the like, until it generally has a particle diameter of 5 μm orless, preferably 1.5 μm or less.

Generally, 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane is synthesized from3-methylphenol and 1,2-dihalogenoethane or the like as raw materials andthen purified by recrystallization. In a purified state, it is providedin the form of particles most of which have a particle diameter of 50 to700 μm, and for incorporating it into the above coating liquid, millingthereof is essential.

That is, it is required to mill 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane compound(to be sometimes referred to as “phenoxyethane compound” hereinafter) inan aqueous medium containing components such as a surfactant, anantifoaming agent, a dispersing agent, etc., until it generally comes tohave a particle diameter of 5 μm or less, preferably 1.5 μm or less,more preferably 1 μm or less (the particle diameter here and hereinafterrefers to an average particle diameter). However, the abovephenoxyethane compound is, in principle, a compound that is very hard tomill, and the step of milling the same takes a considerably long time,which is a great bottleneck in the step of producing a thermal recordingmedium such as a thermal recording paper, or the like, and has been aserious problem to be solved.

It is an object of the present invention to remarkably improve themilling property of the 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane compoundexcellent in basic performances such as thermal colorability as asensitizer without impairing the above colorability, and to provide athermal recording medium using the same as a sensitizer.

The present inventors have made diligent studies for improving themilling of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, and as a result have foundthat the milling property thereof is remarkably improved by preparing aspecific composition having a specific content of a specific compound.Further, it has been surprisingly found that a thermal recording mediumusing such a 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition as a sensitizeris not degraded in colorability but is rather unexpectedly improved incolorability. The present invention has been accordingly made on thebasis of the above findings.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made from the above viewpoint, andaccording to the present invention, there is provided the followinginvention.

1. A sensitizer composition for a thermal recording medium, whichcontains 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane as a main component, said1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane containing 50 ppm to 5.0 mass % of1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and/or1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.

2. The sensitizer composition for a thermal recording medium as recitedin the above 1, wherein said 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane contains 500ppm to 2.0 mass % of 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethaneand/or 1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.

3. A thermal recording medium comprising a substrate and a thermalrecording layer formed on the substrate, the thermal recording layercontaining at least a basic chromogenic dye precursor and a developer,wherein said recording layer contains the composition recited in theabove 1 or 2 as a sensitizer.

4. A thermal recording medium of the above 3, wherein the thermalrecording layer contains, as said basic chromogenic dye precursor, atleast one member selected from the group consisting of3-N,N-dibutylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N,N-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-isoamyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-isopentyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N,N-diethyl-6-chloro-7-anilinofluorane and3,3-bis(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide.

5. The thermal recording medium of the above 3 or 4, wherein the thermalrecordinglayer contains, as said developer, at least one member selectedfrom the group consisting of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methylpentane,4-hydroxy-4′-isopropoxy-diphenyl sulfone, 4,4′-dihydroxy-diphenylsulfone, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-bis(4-hydroxybenzoyloxy)propane,2,4′-dihydoxydiphenylsulfone, 3,3′-diallyl-4,4′-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone, 4-hydroxybenzenesulfone anilide, 2,4-bis(phenylsulfonyl)phenol,4,4′-bis(p-toluenesulfonylaminocarbonylamino)-diphenylmethane and4,4′-[oxybis(ethyleneoxy-p-phenylenesulfonyl)]diphenol.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be explained in detail hereinafter.

The composition for a thermal recording medium, more specifically, thesensitizer composition for a thermal recording medium, provided by thepresent invention, is a composition for a thermal recording medium,which is prepared by incorporating 50 ppm to 5.0 mass %, preferably 500ppm to 2.0 mass %, of 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethaneand/or 1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane into1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane.

(Preparation of Composition of the Invention)

The above composition (to be sometimes referred to as“1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition”, “composition of thepresent invention” or “sensitizer composition of the present invention”hereinafter) can be obtained by adjusting the composition of rawmaterials as required when the 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane issynthesized, or can be also obtained by separately preparing1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane,1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane, which are components for the abovecomposition, and mixing these. For example, the following methods can beapplied.

(a) A method in which 4-methylphenol is incorporated into, or added to,3-methylphenol that is a main raw material for synthesis of1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, such that an amount corresponding to thecontent defined in the present invention is attained, and the resultantmixture is reacted with 1,2-dihalogenoethane such as 1,2-dibromoethaneor 1,2-dichloroethane, or the like. In this manner,1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and/or1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane are/is formed in1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane that is a main product, to obtain acomposition having a desired content thereof. According to this method,the composition of the present invention can be prepared directly, inthe course of synthesis.

(b) There can be also employed a method in which1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane,1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane are separately prepared in advance, theseare mixed, and the mixture is heat-melted and then cooled tocrystallize. The above melting and crystallization method provides amore homogeneous composition.

(c) There can also be employed a method in which1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane,1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane, prepared in advance, are mixed whensubjected to milling, and milled mechanically, to obtain the abovecomposition.

Of the above methods, a suitable method can be employed depending uponan intended composition and the like, and these methods can also becombined as required. The above methods are, however, only typical ones,shown as examples, and the employable preparation methods shall not belimited thereto.

(Contents of Composition of the Invention)

The composition of the present invention is a composition prepared byincorporating 50 ppm to 5.0 mass %, preferably 500 ppm to 2.0 mass % of1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and/or1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane into 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane (Whenthe composition contains both1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane, the above content refers to the totalcontent thereof). When the content in the above composition is small orless than 50 ppm, the effect on improvement in the milling property,intended in the present invention, is substantially not produced.Further, when the content is too large or exceeds 5.0 mass %, not onlythe milling property is rather degraded, but also the background foggingof a thermal recording medium at a high temperature is no longernegligible, when the above composition is used as a sensitizer.

The sensitizer of the present invention is suitably used as a sensitizerfor a thermal recording medium, and the thermal recording medium may befurther improved in sensitivity by using other one or two or moresensitizers in combination therewith. The above sensitizer(s) to be usedin combination can be selected from known sensitizers such as diphenylsulfone, 1,2-bis(phenoxy)ethane, β-naphthyl benzyl ether, dibenzyloxalate, di-p-methylbenzyl oxalate, p-chlorobenzyl oxalate, stearic acidamide, ethylenebisstearic acid amide, p-benzylbipheny, m-terphenyl,p-biphenyl-p-tolyl ether, and the like.

(Basic Chromogenic Dye Precursor)

The colorless or light-colored basic chromogenic dye precursor (to besometimes simply referred to as “basic chromogenic dye” or “dye”hereinafter) for use in the thermal recording medium of the presentinvention is not specially limited, and it can be selected fromconventionally known compounds such as a fluorane compound, an indolylphthalide compound, a divinyl phthalide compound, a pyridine compound, aspiro compound, a fluorene compound, a triarylmethane compound, adiarylmethane compound, and the like. For example, the followingcompounds are preferred;

Fluorane compounds such as 3-N,N-butylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N,N-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-pyridino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-morpholino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-dimethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-di-n-butylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-di-n-pentylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-di-n-octylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,

3-(N-n-propyl-N-methyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-n-butyl-N-methyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-n-butyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-isoamyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-isobutyl-N-methyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-isobutyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-n-pentyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-isopentyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-n-hexyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-n-octyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,

3-(N-cyclopentyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-n-propyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-n-butyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-n-hexyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-n-octyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N,N-diethyl-6-chloro-7-anilinofluorane,

3-N-(2′-methoxyethyl)-N-isobutylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(2′-ethoxyethyl)-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(3′-methoxypropyl)-N-methylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(3′-ethoxypropyl)-N-methylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(3′-ethoxypropyl)-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(2′-tetrahydrofuryl)-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(4′-methylphenyl)-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,

3-pyrrolidino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-morpholino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-dimethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-di-n-butylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-di-n-pentylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-di-n-octylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,

3-N-n-propyl-N-methylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-n-butyl-N-methylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-n-butyl-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-isobutyl-N-methylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-isobutyl-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-n-pentyl-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-isopentyl-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-n-hexyl-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-n-octyl-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-cyclopentyl-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-cyclohexyl-N-methylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-cyclohexyl-N-n-propylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-cyclohexyl-N-n-butylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-cyclohexyl-N-n-hexylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-cyclohexyl-N-n-octylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,

3-N-(2′-methoxyethyl)-N-isobutylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(2′-ethoxyethyl)-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(3′-methoxypropyl)-N-methylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(3′-ethoxypropyl)-N-methylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(3′-ethoxypropyl)-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(2′-tetrahydrofurfuryl)-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-(4′-methylphenyl)-N-ethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,

3,6-dimethoxyfluorane, 3-dimethylamino-7-methoxyfluorane,3-diethylamino-7-methoxyfluorane, 3-diethylamino-7-methylfluorane,3-N-cyclohexyl-N-n-butylamino-7-methylfluorane,3-N-ethyl-N-isopentylamino-7-methylfluorane,3-diethylamino-7-chlorofluorane,3-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-chlorofluorane,3-diethylamino-6,7-dimethylfluorane, 3,6-bis(diphenylamino)fluorane,3-diethylamino-7-dibenzylaminofluorane,3-di-n-butylamino-7-dibenzylaminofluorane,3-diethylamino-7-n-octylaminofluorane, 3-diethylamino-7-anilinofluorane,3-N-ethyl-N-isopentylamino-7-anilinofluorane, etc.;

Indolyl phthalide compounds such as3,3-bis(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide,3,3-bis(1,2-dimethylindol-3-yl)-5-dimethylaminophthalide,3,3-bis(1,2-dimethylindol-3-yl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide,3,3-bis(2-phenylindol-3-yl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide,3,3-bis(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide,3,3-bis(1-octyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide,3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-(1,2-dimethylindol-3-yl)phthalide,3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-(2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide,3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide,3-(2-ethoxy-4-dibutylaminophenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide,3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-octyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide,etc.;

Divinyl phthalide compounds such as3,3-bis[2,2-bis(4-dimethylaminophenyl)ethenyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide,3,3-bis[2,2-bis(4-pyrrolidinophenyl)ethenyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrabromophthalide,3,3-bis[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)ethenyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide,3,3-bis[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-pyrrolidinophenyl)ethenyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide,etc.;

Pyridine compounds such as3-(2′-ethoxy-4′-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1′-ethyl-2′-methylindol-3′-yl)-4or 7-azaphthalide,3-(2′-ethoxy-4′-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1′-ethyl-2′-phenylindol-3′-yl)-4or 7-azaphthalide,3-(2′-ethoxy-4′-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1′-octyl-2′-methylindol-3′-yl)-4or 7-azaphthalide,3-(2′-hexyloxy-4′-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1′-ethyl-2′-methylindol-3′-yl)-4or 7-azaphthalide,3-(2′-n-butoxy-4′-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1′-ethyl-2′-phenylindol-3′-yl)-4or 7-azaphthalide,3-(2′-methyl-4′-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1′-ethyl-2′-methylindol-3′-yl)-4or 7-azaphthalide,3-(2′-methyl-4′-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1′-n-octyl-2′-methylindol-3′-yl)-4or 7-azaphthalide, 3,3-bis(2′-methoxy-4′-diethylaminophenyl)-4 or7-azaphthalide, 3,3-bis(2′-ethoxy-4′-diethylaminophenyl)-4 or7-azaphthalide, etc.;

Spiro compounds such as 3-methylspirodinaphthopyran,3-ethylspirodinaphthopyran, 3-phenylspirodinaphthopyran,3-benzylspirodinaphthopyran,3-methylnaphtho-(3′-methoxybenzo)spiropyran, 3-propylspirodibenzopyran,etc.;

Fluorene compounds such as3,6-bis(diethylamino)fluorene-9-spiro-3′-(6′-dimethylamino)phthalide,3-diethylamino-6-(N-allyl-N-methylamino)fluorene-9-spiro-3′-(6′-dimethylamino)phthalide,3,6-bis(diethylamino)-9-spiro[fluorene-9,6′-6′H-chromeno(4,3-b)indole],3,6-bis(dimethylamino)-3′-methyl-spiro[fluorene-9,6′-6′H-chromeno(4,3-b)indole],3,6-bis(diethylamino)-3′-methyl-spiro[fluorene-9,6′-6′H-chromeno(4,3-b)indole],etc.;

Triarylmethane compounds such as3,3-bis(4′-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide,3,3-bis(4′-dimethylaminophenyl)phthalide,3-(4′-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-(4′-diethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide,3-(4′-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-(1′-methylpyrrol-3′-yl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide,etc.;

Diarylmethane compounds such as 4,4-bis-dimethylaminobenzhydrin benzylether, N-halophenyl leuco auramine, N-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl leucoauramine, etc.

Of these, 3-N,N-dibutylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N,N-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-isoamyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-isopentyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N,N-diethyl-6-chloro-7-anilinofluorane and3,3-bis(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide recited in claim4 are the most preferred basic dyes. These basic chromogenic dyes may beused alone or in combination of two or more members for adjusting acolored image or obtaining a multi-colorable thermal recording medium orsome other purposes.

The amount of the dye per 100 parts by mass of the sensitizer ispreferably 10 to 500 parts by mass, more preferably 20 to 400 parts bymass, most preferably 30 to 200 parts by mass. When the above amount issmaller than the above lower limit, no intended colorability can beexhibited. Further, when it is too large, there obtained no furtherimprovement in colorability, rendering it uneconomical.

(Developer)

The developer for use in the thermal recording medium of the presentinvention includes conventionally known developers such as a phenoliccompound, a sulfone-containing compound, an ionic compound, anitrogen-containing compound, a salicylic acid-containing compound, andthe like as compounds that can be used in the present invention.

Above all, preferred are 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methylpentane,2,2-dimethyl-1,3-bis(4-hydroxybenzoyloxy)propane;2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylbenzene; 4-hydroxy-4′-isopropoxy-diphenylsulfone, 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone, 2,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone,3,3′-diallyl-4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone,4-hydroxy-4′-allyloxydiphenyl sulfone; 2,4-bis(phenylsulfonyl)phenol,2,4-bis(phenylsulfonyl)-5-methylphenol,4,4′-[oxybis(ethyleneoxy-p-phenylenesulfonyl)]diphenol;1,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenylthio)-3-oxapentane,1,8-bis(4-hydroxyphenylthio)-3,6-dioxaoctane,4,4′-bis(p-toluenesulfonylaminocarbonylamino)-diphenylmethane;4-hydroxybenzenesulfone anilide; 3,5-di-α-methylbenzylsalicylic acid andZn salt thereof; benzyl 4-hydroxbenzoate, and the like.

Of these, the following compounds, as recited in claim 5, areparticularly preferred as a developer. That is, the developer ispreferably at least one member selected from the group consisting of2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methylpentane,4-hydroxy-4′-isopropoxy-diphenylsulfone, 4,4′-dihydroxy-diphenylsulfone, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-bis(4-hydroxybenzoyloxy)propane,2,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone, 3,3′-diallyl-4,4′-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone, 4-hydroxybenzenesulfone anilide, 2,4-bis(phenylsulfonyl)phenol,4,4′-bis(p-toluenesulfonylaminocarbonylamino)-diphenylmethane and4,4′-[oxybis(ethyleneoxy-p-phenylenesulfonyl)]diphenol.

These developers may be used singly or in combination of two or moremembers. The amount of the developer per 100 parts by mass of thesensitizer is preferably 10 to 500 parts by mass, more preferably 30 to400 parts by mass, still more preferably 50 to 300 parts by mass.

(Production of Thermal Recording Layer)

The thermal recording layer in the present invention can be produced byany methods known per se, and it is not required to employ any specialmethods therefor. For example, the basic chromogenic dye, the developer,the sensitizer, a pigment, a metallic soap, wax, etc., are milled anddispersed in an aqueous medium containing a surfactant, an antifoamingagent, a dispersing agent, etc., by means of a ball mill, a sand mill,or the like, until they generally come to have a particle diameter of 5μm or less, preferably 1.5 μm or less, to prepare a coating liquid.

(Pigment)

The pigment includes those pigments generally used in a thermalrecording medium, for example, an inorganic fine powder of any one ofkaolin, silica, amorphous silica, calcined kaolin, zinc oxide, calciumcarbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, titanium oxide,barium sulfate and synthetic aluminum silicate; an organic resin finepowder of any one of a styrene-methacrylate copolymer, a polystyreneresin and a urea-formalin resin, and the like, and these may be used incombination with the above dye.

The amount of the pigment per 100 parts by mass of the basis chromogenicdye is preferably 10 to 2,000 parts by mass, more preferably 20 to 1,000parts by mass.

(Metallic Soap, etc.)

Examples of the metallic soap include zinc stearate, calcium stearate,aluminum stearate, and the like.

Further, the wax includes natural waxes such as candelilla wax, ricewax, sumac wax, bees wax, lanolin, montan wax, carnauba wax, ceresinwax, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, beef tallow, coconut oil, etc.,and further includes derivatives such as polyethylene wax, stearic acid,etc., and Fischer-Tropsch wax, and the like. These may be used singly orin combination.

Examples of the surfactant include sulfosuccinic acid-based alkali metalsalt, alkali metal salt of alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt oflauryl alcohol sulfuric ester, and the like.

Examples of the antifoaming agent include higher-alcohol-containing,fatty-acid-ester-containing, oil-containing, silicone-containing,polyether-containing, modified-hydrocarbon-oil-containing andparaffin-containing antifoaming agents.

Examples of the dispersing agent include sodium polyacrylate, polyvinylalcohols (having various saponification degrees, pHs and polymerizationdegrees), carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,polyacrylamide, starch, ammonium salt of a styrene-maleic anhydridecopolymer, and the like.

As a water resistance improver, further, there may be optionally used1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-cyclohexylphenyl)butane,1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl)butane,4-benzyloxy-4′-2,3-propoxy-diphenyl sulfone, and the like.

Further, as a light resistance improver, there include are, for example,benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorbents such as2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole,2,2-methylenebis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol],microcapsulated 2-(2-hydroxy-3-dodecyl-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, andthe like.

(Preparation of Thermal Recording Medium)

Conventionally, in the process of producing thermal recording media, thestep of preparing a dispersion of raw materials of a dye, a developer, asensitizer, a pigment, etc., for constituting the thermal recordingmedium, is generally a rate-determining step, and above all, the step ofpreparing the dispersion of above sensitizer sometimes takes a longtime, for example, as long as 24 hours, causing it a serious problem.According to the present invention, the step of milling the sensitizeris decreased by as much as 40% as will be shown in Examples to bedescribed later. Further, as a milling apparatus, a milling machinehaving various movable portions such as a ball mill, a sand mill, or thelike is used as described above. With a great reduction in the millingtime period, therefore, the operation time period of the millingapparatus is also decreased, so that the lifetime of such apparatus isincreased to a great extent, which is quite desirable in maintenance ofthe apparatus.

In the thermal recording medium of the present invention, the thermalrecording layer thereof can be formed by a known technology, and themethod of forming the same is not specially limited. For example, therecording layer can be formed by applying a coating liquid for thethermal recording layer onto a substrate surface with a properapplication apparatus such as an air knife coater, a blade coater, a barcoater, a rod coater, a gravure coater, a curtain coater, a wire bar, orthe like and drying the applied coating liquid.

The application amount of the coating liquid is not specificallylimited, either. The application amount thereof, as a dry mass, on thesubstrate surface is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 50.0 g/m², morepreferably 1.0 to 20.0 g/m². In addition, the substrate is selected frompaper, a plastic sheet, a synthetic paper, or the like.

(Undercoat Layer)

In the present invention, further, an undercoat layer may be providedfor improving coloring sensitivity. The undercoat layer is formed from amaterial mainly containing a pigment or organic hollow particles and anadhesive.

The above pigment includes calcined kaolin, magnesium carbonate,amorphous silica, aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, calciumsilicate, calcium carbonate, an urea-formalin resin filler, and the likeas are included in the already discussed pigment. Further, the “organichollow particles” includes homopolymer or copolymer resins of monomerssuch as vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, methylacrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, styrene,and the like.

Further, the adhesive includes water-soluble polymers such as gelatin,casein, starch and a derivative thereof, methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methoxycellulose, complete (partial) saponification polyvinyl alcohol,carboxy-modified polyvinyl alcohol, acetoacetyl-modified polyvinylalcohol, silicon-modified polyvinyl alcohol, an acrylamide-ethylacrylate copolymer, a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, and the like,and hydrophobic polymers such as a styrene-butadiene resin, astyrene-acryl resin, a vinyl acetate resin, an acryl resin, and thelike. The formation of the undercoat layer is not specially limited, andit can be formed, for example, like the above-described thermalrecording layer.

(Protective Layer)

For improving a shelf life, further, a protective layer may be formed onthe thermal recording layer. The protective layer may be formed from anadhesive, a pigment, etc., having film formability, as main componentsand an ultraviolet absorbent, etc., as optional components.

The adhesive having film formability includes carboxy-modified polyvinylalcohol, acetoacetyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol, silicon-modifiedpolyvinyl alcohol, diacetone-modified polyvinyl alcohol, and the like.The pigment and the ultraviolet absorbent may be selected from thosethat are already discussed with regard to the thermal recording layer.

The formation of the above protective layer is not specially limited,either. For example, it can be formed like the above-described thermalrecording layer.

In the thermal recording medium, a protective layer may be formed on thereverse surface of the substrate as required, an adhesive layercontaining, as a main component, natural rubber, an acrylic-resin-basedadhesive or a styrene-isoprene block copolymer and two-packagecrosslinking acrylic resin adhesive may be formed as required, or eachlayer after application may be smoothening-treated by super calendering,or the like.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be explained further in detail hereinafter,while the present invention shall not be limited thereto. In Examples,“%” stands for “mass %” unless otherwise specified. In the presentinvention, a crystal product or a 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethanecomposition was analyzed by gas chromatography as follows.

(a) Analysis of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane

Gas chromatograph: Shimadzu GC-14B (FID detector)

Column: Internal diameter 3 mm×1.1 m glass column

Packaging material: Silicone OV-17 3%/uniport HP (60-80 mesh) (suppliedby GL Science Corporation)

Column temperature 70→280° C. (temperature elevation rate at 12°C./minute)

(b) Analysis of 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane

Gas chromatograph: Shimadzu GC-14B (FID detector)

Column: Internal diameter 2.6 mm×2.1 m glass column

Packaging material: KG-02/uniport HP (60-80 mesh) (supplied by GLScience Corporation)

Column temperature: 190° C.

Comparative Example 1 Preparation of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethanecomposition

A 1 L reactor was charged with 108 g of 3-methylphenol (containing 0.5%of 4-methylphenol) and 100 g of a 48% sodium hydroxide aqueous solutionand filled with N₂ gas. Then, the mixture was heated to 100° C., and 94g of 1,2-dibromoethane was charged drop wise into the reactor over 5hours.

After completion of the drop wise charging, the mixture was aged at 100°C. for 6 hours. After completion of the aging reaction, the reactionsolution was allowed to settle to separate it into an aqueous layer andan oil layer. The oil layer was recovered and washed with 50 g of waterat 100° C. This washing procedure was repeated twice, then, 1,000 g ofmethanol was added to the oil layer to form a solution. The solution wasfiltered, and the filtrate was gradually cooled to 15° C. The formedcrystal product was recovered by filtration, and the filtered cake waswashed with 100 g of methanol. The resultant crystal product was furtherpurified with 500 g of methanol by recrystallization and dried to give91 g of a crystal product.

The above crystal product was found to be a1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition having a melting point of98.3° C. and containing 99.99% of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, 10 ppmof 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 5 ppm of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.

Example 1 Preparation of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition

A 1 L reactor was charged with 108 g of 3-methylphenol (containing 1.0%of 4-methylphenol) and 100 g of a 48% sodium hydroxide aqueous solutionand filled with N₂ gas. Then, the mixture was heated to 100° C. andallowed to react while 94 g of 1,2-dibromoethane was charged drop wiseinto the reactor over 5 hours.

After completion of the drop wise charging, the mixture was aged at 100°C. for 6 hours. After the reaction wad completed, the reaction solutionwas allowed to settle to separate it into an aqueous layer and an oillayer. The oil layer was recovered and washed with 50 g of water at 100°C. This washing procedure was repeated twice, and then 500 g of methanolwas added to the oil layer to form a solution. The solution wasfiltered, and the filtrate was gradually cooled to 15° C. The formedcrystal product was recovered by filtration, and the filtered cake waswashed with 100 g of methanol. The resultant crystal product was dried,as it was, without carrying out any recrystallization, to give 97 g of acrystal product.

The above crystal product was found to be a composition having a meltingpoint of 98.0° C. and containing 99.45% of1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, 5,000 ppm of1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 15 ppm of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.

Synthesis Example 1 Preparation of1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane

A 1 L reactor was charged with 108 g of 4-methylphenol (special gradereagent, supplied by Wako Purechemical Ind. Co., Ltd.), 400 g ofdiethylene glycol dimethyl ether and 62 g of sodium hydroxide, andfilled with N₂ gas. Then, the mixture was heated to 100° C. to form asolution. The solution was allowed to react at the same temperaturewhile 215 g of 1-bromo-2-(3-methylphenoxy)ethane was charged drop wiseinto the reactor over 5 hours.

After completion of the drop wise charging, the reaction mixture wasaged at 100° C. for 6 hours. After the reaction was completed, thereaction mixture was discharged into 400 g of water. The mixture wascooled to 20° C., and precipitated crystal was recovered by filtration.The filtered cake was washed with 200 g of water, added to 2,000 g ofmethanol, and the mixture was heated to form a solution, followed byfiltration. The resultant filtrate was gradually cooled to 15° C. Theformed crystal product was recovered by filtration, and the cake waswashed with 200 g of methanol. The resultant crystal product was furtherpurified with 1,000 g of methanol by recrystallization and then dried togive 182 g of 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane. Thisproduct had a melting point of 94° C. with the purity of 99.8%.

Synthesis Example 2 Preparation of 1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane

A 1 L reactor was charged with 108 g of 4-methylphenol (special gradereagent, supplied by Wako Purechemical Ind., Co., Ltd.), 600 g ofdiethylene glycol dimethyl ether, 62 g of potassium hydroxide and filledwith N₂ gas. Then, the mixture was heated to 100° C. to form a solution.The solution was allowed to react at the same temperature while 94 g of1,2-dibromoethane was charged drop wise into the reactor over 5 hours.

After completion of the drop wise charging, the reaction mixture wasaged at 100° C. for 6 hours. After the reaction was completed, thereaction mixture was discharged into 400 g of water. The mixture wascooled to 20° C., and precipitated crystal was recovered by filtration.The filtered cake was washed with 200 g of water, added to 2,000 g ofmethanol, and the mixture was heated to form a solution, followed byfiltration. The resultant filtrate was gradually cooled to 15° C. Theformed crystal product was recovered by filtration, and the cake waswashed with 200 g of methanol. The obtained crystal product was furtherpurified with 1,000 g of methanol by recrystallization and then dried togive 200 g of 1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane. This product had a meltingpoint of 134° C. and had purity of 99.9%.

Example 2 Preparation of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane

A 200 mL reactor was charged with 50 g of the1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition obtained in Example 1 and 50mg of the 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane obtained inSynthesis Example 1, and while the reactor was filled with N₂ gas, themixture was dissolved on heating at 110° C. The resultant solution wasdischarged into a vat and aged at 70° C. for 10 hours to allowcrystallization.

The obtained crystal product was found to be a1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition having a melting point of98.1° C. and containing 99.85% of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, 1,000ppm of 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 5 ppm of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.

Example 3 Preparation of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition

A 200 mL reactor was charged with 50 g of the1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition obtained in Example 1 and1.28 g of the 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane obtained inSynthesis Example 1, and while the reactor was filled with N₂ gas, themixture was dissolved under heat at 110° C. The resultant solution wasdischarged into a vat and aged at 70° C. for 10 hours to allowcrystallization.

The obtained crystal product was found to be a1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition having a melting point of96.3° C. and containing 97.45% of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, 2.50%of 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 5 ppm of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.

Example 4 Preparation of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition

A 200 mL reactor was charged with 50 g of the1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition obtained in Example 1 and0.25 g of the 1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane obtained in SynthesisExample 2, and while the reactor was filled with N₂ gas, the mixture wasdissolved on heating at 110° C. The resultant solution was dischargedinto a vat and aged at 70° C. for 10 hours to allow crystallization.

The obtained crystal product was found to be a1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition having a melting point of98.0° C. and containing 99.4% of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, 10 ppmof 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 5,000 ppm of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.

Example 5 Preparation of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition

A 200 mL reactor was charged with 50 g of the1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition obtained in Example 1, 0.25 gof the 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane obtained inSynthesis Example 1 and 0.25 g of the 1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethaneobtained in Synthesis Example 2, and while the reactor was filled withN₂ gas, the mixture was dissolved on heating at 110° C. The resultantsolution was discharged into a vat and aged at 70° C. for 10 hours toallow crystallization.

The obtained crystal product was found to be a1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition having a melting point of97.8° C. and containing 98.95% of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, 5,000ppm of 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 5,000 ppm of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.

Comparative Example 2 Preparation of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethanecomposition

A 200 mL reactor was charged with 50 g of the1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition obtained in Example 1, 2.8 gof the 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane obtained inSynthesis Example 1 and 2.8 g of the 1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethaneobtained in Synthesis Example 2, and while the reactor was filled withN₂ gas, the mixture was dissolved on heating at 110° C. The resultantsolution was discharged into a vat and aged at 70° C. for 10 hours toallow crystallization.

The resultant crystal product was found to be a1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition having a melting point of96.1° C. and containing 89.95% of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, 5.0%of 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 5.0% of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.

Comparative Example 3 Preparation of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethanecomposition

A 200 mL reactor was charged with 50 g of the1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition obtained in Example 1 and 8.8g of the 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane obtained inSynthesis Example 1, and while the reactor was filled with N₂ gas, themixture was dissolved on heating at 110° C. The resultant solution wasdischarged into a vat and aged at 70° C. for 10 hours to allowcrystallization.

The resultant crystal product was found to be a1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition (to be referred to as “samplecompositions” hereinafter) having a melting point of 94.5° C. andcontaining 84.95% of 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, 15.0% of1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 4 ppm of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.

Example 6 Milling Test/Preparation of Sensitizer Dispersion

(1) The 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition containing 1,000 ppmof 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 5 ppm of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane, obtained in Example 2, was subjected topreliminary milling with a milling apparatus (ZM1 type, supplied byNippon Seiki Seisakusho K.K.) using a woven metal wire (woven metal wirehole: 1.5 mm each side).

Then, the above-milled composition was sieved with a sieve (TESTINGSIEVE (opening size 0.85 mm), supplied by IIDA SEISAKUSHO), and apowdery sample composition that passed was used in a milling test.

(2) The milling test was carried out with a triple-blade millingapparatus (TSG4H model, supplied by Igarashi Kikai Seizou K.K.) underthe following conditions.

A jacketed pot having a volume of 300 mL was charged with 33.4 g of theabove-sieved powdery sample composition, 27.5 g of 5% METOLOSE(dispersing agent, 60SH-03, supplied by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.),0.2 g of an antifoaming agent (NOPCO1407-K, 5% aqueous solution,supplied by SANNOPCO CORPORATION), 0.4 g of PELEX (PELEX TR, dispersingagent, supplied by Kao Corporation) and 22.0 g of dispersing water. Theabove powdery composition was caused to well permeate the dispersingwater and then allowed to stand for 1 hour.

The above milling apparatus was charged with 200 g of milling mediumbeads (beads supplied by AS ONE CORPORATION, Product No. BZ-1, beaddiameter 1 mm), and milling was initiated with the triple blades at arotation speed of 1,000 rpm while water at 20 to 250° C. was circulatedin the pot jacket.

During the milling step, sample composition was sampled from time totime, and sampled compositions were measured with a particle diametermeasuring apparatus (Shimadzu SALD-2000J, supplied by ShimadzuCorporation) with the passage of time. The milling was carried out untilan average particle diameter of 1 μm was attained, which took 150minutes. The thus-obtained composition is a sensitizer dispersion as anend product of the present invention. Table 1 shows the results.

Examples 7-10 Milling Test/Preparation of Sensitizer Dispersion

Sensitizer dispersions were obtained by carrying out experiments in thesame manner as in Example 6 except that the1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition containing 1,000 ppm of1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 5 ppm of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane in Example 6 was replaced with1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane compositions obtained in Examples 1, 3, 4and 5 shown in Table 1. Table 1 shows the results.

Comparative Examples 4-6 Milling Test/Preparation of SensitizerDispersion

Sensitizer dispersions were obtained by carrying out experiments in thesame manner as in Example 6 except that the1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition containing 1,000 ppm of1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and 5 ppm of1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane in Example 6 was replaced with1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane compositions obtained in ComparativeExamples 1, 2 and 3 shown in Table 1. Table 1 shows the results. TABLE 1Time period for milling before an Contents of substance milled(Composition) average 1-(3-methyl- particle phenoxy)-2- 1,2-bis(4-diameter of (4-methyl- methyl- 1 μm was Substance phenoxy)- phenoxy)-attained milled ethane ethane (minutes) Ex. 6 Ex. 2 1000 ppm 5 ppm 150Ex. 7 Ex. 1 5000 ppm 15 ppm 140 Ex. 8 Ex. 3 2.50% 5 ppm 160 Ex. 9 Ex. 410 ppm 5000 ppm 150 Ex. 10 Ex. 5 5000 ppm 5000 ppm 160 CEx. 4 CEx. 1 10ppm 5 ppm 250 CEx. 5 CEx. 2  5.0% 5.0% 240 CEx. 6 CEx. 3 15.0% 4 ppm 260Ex. = Example,CEx. = Comparative Example

As is clear from Table 1, it is seen that the compositions according tothe present invention have remarkably excellent milling properties overthe compositions of Comparative Examples.

That is, conventional milling for preparing an aqueous dispersion of asensitizer powder for producing thermal recording media takes a timeperiod of approximately 250 minutes even when a small-scale apparatus inExample 1 is used. In the present invention, however, the above timeperiod is decreased to approximately 150 minutes (approximately 40%). Asis already discussed, in some actual production apparatuses, the step ofpreparing an aqueous dispersion of a sensitizer powder takes 24 hours ormore in some cases, so that it should be said that the effect ofreducing the milling time period in the present invention has aremarkable influences on the entire production process of the thermalrecording media.

The mechanism for producing such remarkable improvements attained inmilling efficiency when 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethaneand 1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane having amounts specified in thepresent invention are incorporated into 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethaneis not exactly clear. However, it is assumed that when a small amount ofa compound having a different structure is incorporated, the crystalstructure of the 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane, as a main component, ischanged from the state of a very hard or stiff pure substance to acrystal state of a relatively soft mixture.

Further, as a result of remarkable improvements in milling propertyaccording to the present invention, it has been found that the abovecompound can be further milled to give finer particle diameter of lessthan 1 μm.

Example 11 Preparation of Thermal Recording Medium

The compositions according to the present invention, obtained inExamples 6 to 10, were tested to produce thermal recording media usingthe compositions as sensitizers.

<Preparation of Coating Liquid for Undercoat Layer>

80 Grams of calcined kaolin (trade name: Ansilex, supplied by EngelhardCorporation), 20 g of calcium carbonate (trade name: Univer 70, suppliedby Shiraishi Kogyo K.K.), 140 g of polyvinyl alcohol (trade name:PVA-117, 5% aqueous solution, supplied by Kuraray Co., Ltd.), 15 g of astyrene-butadiene latex (48% emulsion), 2 g of sodium polyacrylate (20%aqueous solution) and 30 g of water were mixed and stirred to give acoating liquid for an undercoat layer.

<Preparation of Coating Liquid for Thermal Recording Layer>

(Preparation of Developer Dispersion)

30 Grams of 4-hydroxy-4′-isopropoxy-diphenyl sulfone was milled in 70 gof a methyl cellulose aqueous solution having a methyl celluloseconcentration of 5% with a sand grinder, to prepare an aqueousdispersion of a developer having an average particle diameter of 1.0 82m.

(Preparation of Dye Dispersion)

30 Grams of 3-N,N-dibutylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane was milled in70 g of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-117) aqueous solution having apolyvinyl alcohol concentration of 5% with a sand grinder, to prepare anaqueous dispersion of a dye having an average particle diameter of 1 μm.

(Preparation of Sensitizer Dispersion)

13.3 Grams of water was added to 40 g of the sensitizer dispersionobtained in Example 6, to prepare a 30% aqueous dispersion.

(Preparation of Pigment Dispersion)

30 Grams of calcium carbonate (Univer 70), 69 g of water and 1.0 g of a40% sodium hexametaphosphate aqueous solution were stirred with ahomogenizer (TK homodisper L type, supplied Tokushu Kika K.K.) at arotation speed of 5,000 rpm for 5 minutes, to prepare a pigmentdispersion.

(Preparation of Coating Liquid for Thermal Recording Layer)

7.2 Grams of the thus-prepared developer dispersion, 3.6 g of thethus-prepared dye dispersion, 7.2 g of the thus-prepared sensitizerdispersion, 7.2 g of the thus-prepared pigment dispersion, 1.8 g of a30% zinc stearate emulsion (trade name: Hydrin Z-7, supplied by ChukyoYushi Co., Ltd.) as a lubricant dispersion and 21.6 g of polyvinylalcohol (PVA-117, 5% aqueous solution, supplied by Kuraray Co., Ltd.)were mixed to obtain a coating liquid for a thermal recording layer.

<Production of Thermal Recording Medium>

The coating liquid for an undercoat layer and the coating liquid for athermal recording layer were consecutively applied onto one surface of a64 g/m² woodfree paper so as to obtain dry application amounts of 10g/m² and 3 g/m², respectively, and each of the applied coating liquidswere dried to give a thermal recording medium. In addition, after theundercoat layer and the thermal recording layer were formed, thesurfaces thereof were supercalendered to carry out smoothening.

Examples 12-15

Thermal recording media were produced in the same manner as in Example11 except that the sensitizer in Example 11 was replaced with thoseshown in Table 2.

Comparative Examples 7-9

Thermal recording media were produced in the same manner as in Example11 except that the sensitizer in Example 11 was replaced with thoseshown in Table 2. TABLE 2 Contents of sensitizer (composition)1-(3-methylphenoxy)- 1,2-bis(4- Milling 2-(4-methylphenoxy)-methylphenoxy)- test No. ethane ethane Ex. 11 Ex. 6 1000 ppm 5 ppm Ex.12 Ex. 7 5000 ppm 15 ppm Ex. 13 Ex. 8 2.50% 5 ppm Ex. 14 Ex. 9 10 ppm5000 ppm Ex. 15 Ex. 10 5000 ppm 5000 ppm CEx. 7 CEx. 4 10 ppm 5 ppm CEx.8 CEx. 5  5.0% 5.0% CEx. 9 CEx. 6 15.0% 4 ppmEx. = Example,CEx. = Comparative Example<Performance Comparison Test>

Each of the thermal recording papers (thermal recording media) obtainedin Examples 11 to 15 and Comparative Examples 7 to 9 was printing-testedwith a thermal paper coloring testing apparatus (TH-PMD, supplied byOhkura Electric Co., Ltd.) using a thermal head (Type KJT-256-8MGFI-ASH,supplied by Kyocera Corporation) 1,653Ω, at a printing voltage of 24 Vat a printing frequency (heating time period) of 0.7 msec or 1.4 msec,to test their performances with regard to the following particulars.Table 3 shows the results.

(1) Back Ground and Print Density

Measured with a Macbeth densitometer (RD-948 model, supplied by MacbethCorporation)

(2) Humidity Durability Test

The above-printed thermal recording papers were left in an atmospherehaving a temperature of 45° C. and a humidity of 85% for 24 hours andthen measured each for a background fogging and a print density with aMacbeth densitometer. The “background” refers to a whiteness of aportion in a recording paper on which no printing was made.

(3) Heat Resistance Test

Printed thermal recording papers that had been left at 60° C. for 24hours were measured each for a background fogging and a print densitywith a Macbeth densitometer in the same manner as in the abovemeasurement. TABLE 3 Initial stage Humidity durability Heat resistanceBack- Printing Back- Printing Back- Printing ground 0.7 msec 1.4 msecground 1.4 msec ground 1.4 msec Ex. 11 0.04 0.82 1.33 0.04 1.32 0.101.23 Ex. 12 0.04 0.83 1.34 0.04 1.33 0.10 1.24 Ex. 13 0.04 0.84 1.350.04 1.34 0.10 1.27 Ex. 14 0.04 0.83 1.34 0.04 1.33 0.10 1.24 Ex. 150.04 0.83 1.34 0.04 1.33 0.10 1.26 CEx. 7 0.04 0.76 1.33 0.05 1.30 0.111.23 CEx. 8 0.05 0.85 1.33 0.05 1.30 0.14 1.15 CEx. 9 0.05 0.86 1.330.06 1.29 0.18 1.17Ex. = Example,CEx. = Comparative Example

In Table 3, it is seen on the basis of initial values that the thermalrecording medium of the present invention has little background foggingand has excellent colorability, and it is seen on the basis of humiditydurability and heat resistance that the thermal recording medium of thepresent invention is excellent in retention of a background and arecorded image (printed letters) and these are well-balanced.

Specifically, when almost no amounts of1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane are contained (Comparative Example 7),the background fogging is similar to that in Examples of the presentinvention, but the color density of a print is inferior. It is seen thatwhen the content thereof is greatly outside the range specified in thepresent invention (Comparative Examples 8 and 6), the thermal recordingmedia thereof are degraded in background fogging or in humidityresistance and heat resistance with regard to a printed color density.

INDUSTRIAL UTILITY

According to the present invention, the milling property of conventional1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane can be remarkably improved withoutimpairing any properties of the compound, as a sensitizer, byintroducing a specific composition containing the same compound as amain component, as described above.

Further, it is particularly worth noting that a thermal recording mediumusing the above 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition, as asensitizer, can stand comparison with, or rather exhibits excellentproperties over, a conventional counterpart using a1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane compound per se, as a sensitizer, withregard to media's initial colorability, humidity durability and heatresistance, thereby providing the composition of the present inventionwith great industrial utility.

1. A sensitizer composition for a thermal recording medium, whichcontains 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane as a main component, said1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane containing 50 ppm to 5.0 mass % of1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and/or1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.
 2. The sensitizer composition for athermal recording medium as recited in claim 1, wherein said1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane contains 500 ppm to 2.0 mass % of1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and/or1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane.
 3. A thermal recording medium comprisinga substrate and a thermal recording layer formed on the substrate, thethermal recording layer containing at least a basic chromogenic dyeprecursor and a developer, wherein said recording layer contains thecomposition recited in claim 1 as a sensitizer.
 4. The thermal recordingmedium of claim 3, wherein the thermal recording layer contains, as saidbasic chromogenic dye precursor, at least one member selected from thegroup consisting of 3-N,N-dibutylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N,N-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-isoamyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-isopentyl-N-ethyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane,3-N,N-diethyl-6-chloro-7-anilinofluorane and3,3-bis(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide.
 5. The thermalrecording medium of claim 3, wherein the thermal recording layercontains, as said developer, at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methylpentane,4-hydroxy-4′-isopropoxy-diphenyl sulfone, 4,4′-dihydroxy-diphenylsulfone, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-bis(4-hydroxybenzoyloxy)propane,2,4′-dihydoxydiphenylsulfone, 3,3′-diallyl-4,4′-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone, 4-hydroxybenzenesulfone anilide, 2,4-bis(phenylsulfonyl)phenol,4,4′-bis(p-toluenesulfonylaminocarbonylamino)-diphenylmethane and4,4′-[oxybis(ethyleneoxy-p-phenylenesulfonyl)]diphenol.